95 Mazda MPV - engine knocking problem

I bought my 1995 MPV new from the dealer and when it was about a year old, the engine started making this ticking sound that Mazda said was the lifters and they supposedly replaced them "under warranty". About a year later, the same thing started again and again, "under warranty" they worked on it, claimaing to replace lifters again. It later began again but the manufacturers warranty had run out so I just lived with it. Over the years, the van began to leak oil and I decided to have it looked at. I had an extended warranty with my insurance company so the garage was to work on it, fix the leak and solve my knocking problem, again. It was okay for a while then began the same of stuff. I still had a little time left on my extended warranty so I had a different garage look at it and they were sure that the last garage had ripped me off and they could fix it. Well, these people have a pretty good reputation and have done work for my parents on their vehicles and really went above and beyond to make things right with an air conditioning problem my mother had. I really think they did the work but I am once again suffering through the sound of my ticking lifters. We have decided it must be a problem getting the oil to the lifters rather than the lifters themselves. I have been told by numerous people that this is just a problem these vans had but there must be a reason. If anyone has any insight into this problem for me, I would really appreciate it. Thanks, Karen

yup... common on those older vans.

oil leaks on them are a loosing battle.

much of the time about a half a quart of ATF in with your oil will help pump up your lash adjusters. just make sure to change your oil (i reccomend no thicker than 5w30) once it warms up and quiets down.